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If you don't like Helmut Berger, this movie will give you 247 hard minutes, and unfortunately, I loathe him. But despite his public misbehavior, his disgusting arrogance and narcissism, he was a splendid actor with an undeniably intriguing presence. Under Visconti's direction, he turned into breathtaking performances, and his Ludwig made no exception.
Supported by the acting talents Trevor Howard, Romy Schneider, Silvana Mangano, Helmut Griem and Gert Fröbe and Armando Nanuzzi's photography, Berger and Visconti draw the portrait of a self-destructive, eccentric man, torn between his love for the arts and his political duties. The lavish art direction (Mario Scisci, Albino Cocco) alone makes Visconti's vision a cinematic masterpiece which makes it hard for the viewer to take his eyes off. Nevertheless, the lack of action and plot makes it quite hard for the viewer to keep his eyes open for four hours and seven minutes.
There are some shorter versions (183 and 148 minutes) around as well. For those who are not obsessed with Visconti, Berger, or Ludwig II., one of these might very well suffice.
score 5/10
austrianmoviebuff 9 July 2006
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1414941/ |
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2-3-2021 00:06:09